Homelessness, higher education, becoming an artist. These are photographic snapshots of the hopes and dreams of young students.
These photographs are part of the educational program called Pictures of Hope. It was created by nationally recognized photojournalist Linda Solomon.
Her mission to travel the country to open windows of opportunity by putting cameras in the hands of children. Just as her parents put a camera in hers while growing up in Detroit.
Linda has been taking pictures at the Academy Awards for 31 years, one of just a select few. The stories behind her amazing red carpet Hollywood shots are incredible.
From Oscar winner Halle Berry, to the fist of boxing legend Mohammed Ali. Three time Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence too before she was a star.
Linda even captured a rare photo of the late music legend Prince during his red carpet appearance for his Oscar nominated song Purple Rain.
These photos and the stories behind them are part of a Pictures of Hope tutorial for Detroit Public School students hand selected by their counselors from various high schools.
They all met Linda at Cass Technical High School in Detroit. First they were told to write down their hopes and dreams on a list. Their dreams varied greatly from wanting to become a farmer to a dancer to a judge, and many of their hopes included making this world a better place for children in Detroit.
One student dreamed of helping undocumented students pursue a scholarship because he says a lot of times they’re asked whether or not they’re citizens. Another student dreams of becoming the first in her family to attend and graduate from a 4 year university.
Each student was paired with a mentor for the day including police officers, a pastor, a businessman, a journalist, a principal even a rabbi. The mentors all offered guidance and wisdom to these students who were also surprised with digital cameras to keep courtesy of Kroger.
Each student went off with their mentor to snap a photograph that would capture their hopes or dreams in flash. All of the photographs will be on display May 12th at Broadcast House the home of WXYZ TV 7.
